Changing career at 48

[Focacciaisyum]

I currently have an office admin job that i hate. The pay is pretty rubbish (charity) and the work is so boring. I am considering a job as HCA in a NHS daycare unit (so no nightshifts, or intimate care) I really feel like it would be a better fit for my personality but its a big change. Am I mad to try it? Especially at my age? Anyone done similar?

I think people based jobs can be motivating in a very different way but will this also be low.paid? Is the issue more boredom or pay? Is this a job you could do as you get older or is it very physical?

I made a career change at 45 and everything is much better for me now. More of a side step than a complete change though.

Yes the pay will also be rubbish, maybe even a teeny bit less than I get now but a huge increase in pension so overall its a bettwr option financially. Also im lucky that DH earns well so we can afford the small drop in monthly take home. Its not about the money though. Its doing something that actually MEANS something with my life. I just dont care if the scanner is broken or the stationery order is late, or about that report thay needs tidying up!

Half of my job is with people. It definitely gives you a very different kind of.boost and focus.

I am 47, have worked as a bank HCA for about 10 years now but joined the civil service (admin) 6 years ago. I found my admin job boring after some time and decided to take career break (just to leave my options open) to train as a nurse. I have just completed my training and while I enjoyed the clinical aspect, placements made me realise my body cant keep up with the demands of nursing especially ward based. Perimenopause symptoms coupled with an acrimonious divorce has pushed me to my limit and it was a massive relief to have my admin job to return to. Ive never worked in a daycare unit but the few times ive banked on Children's wards, it hasn't been as hectic as it is on Adults. I have a friend of similar age who worked for years in a day care and now in an Admin role and she says it was very stressful. Changing career at 48 is not crazy but changing from Admin to healthcare at that age requires some serious thinking. What you are considering is a physically demanding role, otherwise could be rewarding if you dont mind that. Plus pay is likely to be rubbish too. for me, I have scratched that itch, albeit an expensive one (student loan) and very content to return to my admin role for the foreseeable future. Good luck whatever you decide.

You’re 48 not 68, I’m fitter now at 48 at 28! That said, not everyone is and it’ll be a lot more physically demanding than an admin desk job. Are you ok being on your feet for much of the day, bending, lifting etc?

Regardless of the new job, if you are unhappy in your current job, 48 is way young enough to change to something you enjoy. If I was your age again, I certainly would and I wish I was! You have years of working ahead of you, find a job you’d enjoy

I am 60 and currently changing my career! Inwuld say can you take a couple of shifts to see if you actually like it first before you take the plunge? Even if it was at a weekend it could be worth knowing what you are getting into.

I changed careers at 48. I wasn't prepared how for hard I found it as my brain just isn't as quick as the last time I changed jobs some 10 years before. Plus I've found it absolute exhausting, the training etc.
I don't regret it though but it was a challenge.

I did the other way round, as I'm sure lots of others have, and I nursed for the first 15 years of my career then switched to project management. You couldn't pay me enough to go back to nursing and I certainly couldn't do it now I'm 46!

If you have never done any kind of care before, I would hedge my bets and do a few shifts alongside the day job and see if you actually like it first.

I’m that age and in the midst of a career change. It’s hard work but I know I’m doing the right thing.

Not at all. If it is something you want to do then go and do it 🙂

Go for it. I was in my last job for 21 years, offered a new role just after I turned 50 and have never looked back. The chance to learn something new, meet new people….go for it! Best thing I ever did.

I changed from working in a uni role with adults to teaching in an independent secondary school at 50 and had 14 wonderful years in my new career before taking early retirement. Go for it!

If you feel strongly about this I’d take the plunge…I’ve been bored of my work for years but after leaving it too long to make a change I’m now, at 62, stuck working in an office job at a solicitor’s which I hate but realise I’m unlikely to find anything better.

Thanks everyone
Im in the process of interviewing. Got through to the final round so fingers crossed

Well done. You can change careers at 60!!!

Do a course at night and move up over the next few years and good luck x

I made a big change at 40 think similar to nursing from management in civil service, I found it OK but the running around ,lifting etc was a bit much to be honest, I then went into teaching due to more regular hours, I don't get the same holidays as schools though..